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2007 North American International Auto Show: Automotive Nirvana
Let me get right to the point: If you are an auto geek like all of us here at Automotive Rhythms, then you owe it to yourself in your lifetime to check out the Mecca of all US auto shows, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan.
This year’s show saw a resurgence of one struggling brand, General Motors (GM). GM wowed the crowds with two cars at the end of the dollar spectrum – the all new Malibu, which at about $20,000, is destined to be a success, and will surely put a huge dent in Camry/Accord sales; and the redesigned Cadillac luxury CTS, which loses some of the hard edges that made its design polarizing, and sets the stage for Caddy to duke it out big time with BMW, Audi, Volvo and Mercedes Benz. Audi showed the new Porsche 911 challenger, the R8.
Then there were the concepts. My fav was a crazy purple concept from down under. The Holden Efijy was built by GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden, and combines 50s automotive style with French design flair.
The GM Volt caused a “buzz” amongst those closely following the alternative fuels race. With a three-cylinder engine recharging an electric battery pack and incredible styling, the Volt could become the next Toyota Prius – the hybrid everyone wants to own.
Jaguar held it down with its S-Type replacement, the CX-F. Swoopy four door “coupe” styling and well placed chrome trim meant trying to take pictures of this beauty had me camped out for about an hour!
Mercedes showed the “Ocean Drive” concept. It’s a four door, full-sized convertible based on the S-Class platform. Knock out gorgeous, and sure to be the next must have video car for Jay-Z and upper echelon rappers.
Lincoln unveiled its MKR concept, which continues Lincoln’s new bizarre naming strategy. There was nothing bizarre about its stunning good looks though.
All in all, the NAIAS continued its rep as the place to launch the next wave of industry trendsetters. Stay tuned to AR for more auto show coverage from around the world!
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